# Communicative Radio Posters These Smart Posters Reach Radios & Phones Using Background FM Signals By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-03-10 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-posters References: [nfcworld](https://www.nfcworld.com/2017/03/07/350705/smart-posters-clothes-piggyback-fm-radio-talk-phones-car-radios/) & [washington.edu](https://www.washington.edu/) There are many types of interactive posters that have been introduced over the past few years, but a team from the [University of Washington](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audio-robot) is now introducing a new kind of smart posters. 'FM Backscatter' introduces smart posters that are able to communicate directly with [car radios and smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-fm) using background FM radio signals with a technique that's known as "backscattering." To tune into these posters, people must be within a certain range before they can pick up on the frequency. Potential applications for these smart posters include [band or festival posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-night-posters) that share snippets of songs, billboards that share additional information on local attractions or even street signs that broadcast the names of intersections to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Interactive Posters:** Smart posters that can communicate directly with radios and smartphones offer opportunities for interactive advertising and engaging user experiences. - **FM Backscattering:** The technique of backscattering FM radio signals for communication opens up possibilities for low-power, long-range wireless communication in various industries. - **Enhanced Accessibility:** Using smart posters to broadcast intersection names can improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, presenting opportunities for inclusion and navigation solutions. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Advertising:** Interactive posters provide a disruptive innovation opportunity for advertisers to create immersive and engaging campaigns that connect directly with radios and smartphones. - **Wireless Communication:** The FM backscattering technique can revolutionize long-range wireless communication in industries such as telecommunications, IoT, and supply chain management. - **Accessibility Services:** The use of smart posters to broadcast intersection names presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the accessibility services industry to enhance navigation and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tech-Infused Analog Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-aesthetics-and-modern-technology.md) - [Chromatic E-Ink Marketing Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharp-eposters.md) - [Human Connection-Emphasizing Radio Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radio-optimism.md) - [Interactive In-Store Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visibubble.md) - [Interactive E-Waste Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cash-for-trash.md) - [Hyper-Targeted Shoppable Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glossier-and-shop.md) - [Sensory Outdoor Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scratchandsniff-ooh-campaign.md) - [Pet-Finding Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scented-billboards.md) - [Interactive Snacks Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grab-and-go-billboard.md)